The West & East Zone Engines are part of the Bureau of Land Management, West Desert Fire Zone fire suppression organization. The Field Office is divided into two fire management zones with two fire stations located in each. The West Zone is comprised of Muskrat Fire Station and Rosebud Fire Station while the East Zone is comprised of Vernon Fire Station and Randolph Fire Station. Our season usually runs from the first part of May until the end of September, but can be extended depending on the severity of the fire season.

The engines have government housing in the form of barracks with four engines and a water tender in each zone.

Wildland firefighting is a physically demanding job. Applicants must pass a Work capacity test (Pack Test) as a hiring condition. The Pack Test is administered before the first day of reporting to duty, and if the test is failed, the applicant is not offered a position. The Pack Test consists of hiking with a 45 lb. Pack over level ground in 45 minutes or less.

The Salt Lake Field Office places a strong emphasis on physical conditioning. Personnel safety depends upon all crew members possessing the ability to traverse steep terrain at a steady pace under extreme physical and emotional stress. The majority of current crew members far exceed the physical standards recommended above. A high level of physical fitness is required before reporting for work. Physical fitness training is performed during the fire season to maintain a high level of fitness, not to get the crew members into shape. This is done in order to build a cohesive, safe and effective team. The crew will set the standard, not the individual.